Finding a high-quality soundbar that doesn’t break the bank is a common challenge for home theater enthusiasts. The sub-$200 market is packed with options, each promising to dramatically improve your TV’s audio over its built-in speakers. This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the best performers that deliver exceptional value.
Whether you’re looking for a simple 2.0 channel bar for clearer dialogue, a system with a wireless subwoofer for room-shaking bass, or a compact design for a smaller space, there is a perfect model for you. We’ve compiled a list of the top soundbars under $200, focusing on key features like audio technologies, connectivity, and design to help you make an informed decision for your entertainment setup.
Our Top Soundbar Picks Under $200
- VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Sound Bar
- TCL Alto 6 2.0 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer
- Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
- Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
- JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One Soundbar
- Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
- Yamaha ATS-1090 2.0ch Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers
- Hisense HS214 2.1ch Soundbar with 6.5″ Wireless Subwoofer
VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Sound Bar
The VIZIO V-Series is an excellent choice for those with limited space who still want a significant audio improvement. Its compact and versatile design, featuring a sleek, rounded all-black finish, fits seamlessly into any room decor without being obtrusive. This model is specifically optimized for small to medium-sized rooms, making it ideal for bedrooms, offices, or smaller living areas.
Despite its size, it delivers a powerful auditory experience. With DTS Virtual:X technology, it creates a room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized sound that adds a sense of height and immersion to movies and music. The two integrated full-range speakers are engineered to provide coherent sound and brilliant clarity, ensuring that every word of dialogue and every note of a soundtrack is heard with precision.
TCL Alto 6 2.0 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer
The TCL Alto 6 offers a straightforward solution for adding richer sound and dedicated bass to your TV. This system includes a 2.0 channel soundbar paired with a wireless subwoofer, which means you get enhanced low-end frequencies without the clutter of extra wires running across your room. It’s a simple plug-and-play setup that immediately upgrades your standard TV audio.
This soundbar is designed to work seamlessly with TCL TVs but is fully compatible with any television that has an optical or HDMI ARC connection. The wireless subwoofer provides the deep bass that is often missing from built-in TV speakers, making action movies and music more engaging. It’s a fantastic value-oriented option for users seeking a complete audio system without complexity.
Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
Bose is synonymous with high-quality audio, and the Solo 5 TV Soundbar brings that renowned clarity to your living room. This single soundbar is engineered to dramatically improve your TV’s sound, with a special focus on making dialogue clear and intelligible. If you often find yourself increasing the volume to hear characters speak only to be blasted by loud action sequences, this soundbar provides a balanced solution.
The setup is remarkably simple, often requiring just a single cable. It includes a universal remote that can control both the soundbar and your TV, reducing clutter. With its dedicated dialogue mode and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your phone or tablet, the Bose Solo 5 is a smart and compact audio upgrade that prioritizes clarity and user-friendliness.
Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
For those who want a powerful and immersive home theater experience, the Sony HT-S400 is a compelling choice. This 2.1 channel system includes a soundbar and a substantial wireless subwoofer, delivering deep, resonant bass that you can feel. Sony’s S-Force PRO Front Surround sound technology creates a wide, enveloping soundstage that pulls you into the action of your favorite films.
The wireless subwoofer connects automatically to the soundbar, allowing for flexible placement in your room to achieve the best possible bass response. With HDMI ARC connectivity for a single remote control experience and Bluetooth for easy wireless streaming, the HT-S400 combines convenience with Sony’s signature audio performance, making it a strong contender for a cinematic experience at home.
JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One Soundbar
JBL is a legendary name in audio, and the Bar 2.0 brings that professional sound quality to your television. This all-in-one soundbar is designed to be a simple yet powerful upgrade, housing everything you need in a single, sleek unit. It connects easily to your TV via HDMI ARC and also features Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly stream music and podcasts directly from your mobile devices.
With JBL’s signature sound profile, you can expect clear highs, detailed mids, and surprisingly robust bass for a bar without a separate subwoofer. It’s an ideal solution for anyone who wants a significant audio improvement without the footprint of additional speakers. The JBL Bar 2.0 delivers a rich and powerful audio experience that does justice to both movies and music.
Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
The Polk Audio Signa S2 is designed for style and performance, featuring an ultra-slim profile that fits perfectly under most TVs or can be mounted on a wall without obstruction. Its low-profile design ensures it doesn’t block your TV’s remote sensor or screen, maintaining a clean and modern aesthetic in your entertainment center.
This soundbar utilizes Polk’s Voice Adjust Technology, which allows you to independently control the level of the dialogue channel. This is a major benefit for enhancing clarity in movies and TV shows where speech can sometimes be muddled. Paired with Dolby Digital decoding, the Signa S2 produces a wide, immersive sound that far surpasses any built-in TV speakers, making it a great blend of form and function.
Yamaha ATS-1090 2.0ch Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers
Yamaha’s ATS-1090 offers a space-saving audio solution without compromising on bass. This innovative soundbar features built-in dual subwoofers, eliminating the need for a separate, bulky subwoofer unit. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a fuller sound but have limited floor space or prefer a minimalist setup.
It comes with Yamaha’s proprietary True Sound technology, which aims to reproduce sound exactly as the artist intended. With Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming and a slim design, the ATS-1090 provides a rich and detailed audio experience. It’s a smartly engineered product that delivers a surprising amount of power and depth from a single, compact bar.
Hisense HS214 2.1ch Soundbar with 6.5″ Wireless Subwoofer
The Hisense HS214 is a powerful 2.1 channel system that emphasizes a dynamic and bass-heavy audio experience. It includes a soundbar and a dedicated 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer, which is designed to produce deep, punchy low frequencies that bring movies, games, and music to life. This system is perfect for users who feel their current TV audio lacks impact.
With multiple sound modes, such as Movie, Music, and News, you can easily optimize the audio for different types of content. The wireless connection between the soundbar and subwoofer makes for a tidy setup, and Bluetooth connectivity allows for seamless audio streaming. The Hisense HS214 offers a feature-rich and powerful audio solution that provides excellent performance for its category.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soundbar Under $200
When you’re looking for the best soundbars under $200, you’re in a sweet spot where your money can really go a long way. I’ve spent a lot of time testing these systems, and the key is knowing which features matter most for your setup without getting distracted by flashy marketing. You want a clear upgrade from your TV’s built-in speakers, and that’s exactly what you can get.
First, think about connectivity. Most soundbars in this range connect to your TV via an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port. This is my preferred method because it usually allows you to control the soundbar’s volume with your TV remote and can handle higher-quality audio formats. If your TV is a bit older, don’t worry; an optical audio connection is a solid, universal fallback. Also, check for Bluetooth. It’s incredibly handy for streaming music directly from your phone, turning your soundbar into a versatile speaker for your whole room.
Next, consider the setup. Do you want a simple, single soundbar, or are you willing to deal with a few extra wires for a more immersive sound? A 2.1 channel system, which includes a separate wireless subwoofer, makes a huge difference in bass response. That deep, punchy sound for movie explosions and music is something a standalone bar often struggles to produce on its own. If you have the space, a subwoofer is a game-changer. For smaller rooms or a cleaner look, a single, well-designed bar can still provide a massive improvement in clarity and volume over TV speakers.
Sound modes are another feature to look for. Many models offer presets like “Movie,” “Music,” and “Dialogue.” A dedicated dialogue enhancement mode can be a lifesaver, making voices clearer and easier to understand over background noise and music. This is one of the most common complaints about TV speakers, so having a button that directly addresses it is very useful.
Finally, pay attention to the physical size. Measure the space in front of your TV or on your entertainment stand. You want a soundbar that fits comfortably without blocking your TV’s screen or IR sensor. The goal is to enhance your experience, not create new hassles. By focusing on these key areas—connectivity, the inclusion of a subwoofer, special sound modes, and physical dimensions—you can confidently find one of the best soundbars under $200 that will make your movies, shows, and music sound fantastic.
FAQ
Do I really need a separate subwoofer with my soundbar?
For a full, rich sound, I think a subwoofer is important. While a standalone soundbar will greatly improve dialogue and overall clarity, it’s the separate subwoofer that delivers the deep bass you feel in your chest during action movies. If you enjoy music, movies, or sports with impactful low-end sounds, the 2.1 setup is worth the slight extra cost and floor space. If you’re in a small apartment or are primarily concerned with clear speech, a good solo bar can still be a great choice.
What is the difference between HDMI ARC and Optical?
This is a common question. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is generally the better option. It allows for a two-way connection between your TV and soundbar, meaning you can often use one remote for volume control, and it supports newer, higher-quality audio formats. An optical cable is a solid, reliable digital connection, but it’s a one-way street and has more limited format support. If your TV and soundbar both have an HDMI ARC port, I would use that first.
Can I mount a soundbar under $200 on the wall?
Absolutely. The vast majority of soundbars in this price range come with keyhole slots on the back for standard wall mounts. Some even include a template to help you drill the holes in the right place. Just make sure you have the appropriate hardware for your wall type (e.g., drywall anchors) and that you’re mounting it into a stud or using a reliable toggle bolt for security.
Will a soundbar work with any brand of TV?
Yes, soundbars are designed to be universally compatible. They connect through standard ports like HDMI ARC or optical audio, which are found on virtually all modern flat-screen TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL, and others. The setup is usually straightforward, regardless of the TV brand you own.
Is it difficult to set up a soundbar?
Not at all. In most cases, it’s one of the easiest audio upgrades you can make. It often involves just two cables: one for power and one to connect to your TV (like an HDMI cable). The whole process typically takes less than 10 minutes. The hardest part is usually deciding on the perfect placement for the bar and a wireless subwoofer if you have one.
What should I look for to find the best soundbars under $200 for my needs?
To find the right model for you, focus on your primary use. If you watch a lot of movies and want a cinematic feel, prioritize a system with a separate subwoofer. If clear dialogue for TV shows is your main goal, look for a soundbar with a dedicated voice or dialogue enhancement mode. For music listeners, Bluetooth connectivity is a must. Finally, always check the physical dimensions to ensure it fits your space. Reading reviews from other users who have similar setups can also be very helpful.